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Royal Enfield Electra EFI (2008-current)

View all Enfield 500 BULLETs for sale (8)

Detail	Value
New price	£4,000
Engine size	500cc
Power	27.5bhp
Top speed	82mph
Insurance group	6

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

This new version of the Enfield Electra may look the same, and to be fair in alot of ways that count it is, but in fact it features an all new unit construction engine with fuel-injection, dragging it kicking and screaming into this century to meet Euro 3 emission laws. This is a motorcycle with alot of charisma- a throwback from a bygone era. It's endearingly different to modern bikes, which can be a positive thing if you're looking for something different. Warm to it's character and you'll have a massive grin on your face as you thud gently around the back lanes. But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Royal Enfield have tried hard to meet new Euro 3 emission laws without ruining the feel of their classic 500cc single, and it's worked. The all-new unit-construction lump is fuel-injected yet still feels like an Enfield, mostly because it still has the 84mm bore, 90mm stroke and heavy crank of the old Electra. It may be made in India but it's a traditional British push-rod single. Rubber strips between fins are there to reduce engine noise, but sat on top of you're still treated to a nice classic sound that should endear the bike to old-fashioned purists. It's still a lazy little engine, but it accelerates slightly quicker than the old model and has a touch more top end too.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The brakes aren't up to much, with a single disc on the front and a drum brake (how quaint) on the back, so it's a good thing the engine's only packing 27.5bhp. It's relatively comfy, until you get up to speed and the vibes start to kick in. It's definitely not a bike for long journeys or sustained top speed. Compared to the competition, like the Kawasaki W650 or the Triumph Bonneville, handling and suspension lack quality.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

One look at the pictures should tell you that there's no on-board computer or digital tyre-pressure sensors here! The Enfiled aims to recreate biking from a simpler time. 2 wheels and an engine are about all you get for your money, but if you're here reading this and considering one of these bikes, that probably forms a big part of the appeal.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Enfield claim 87mph for the Electra EFI, so with today's fuel prices it could make alot fo sense as a cheap commuter. These bikes are so simple servicing can be done at home- in fact it's probably a big part of the fun for alot of owners. The cost for a new one is very low and used bikes can be picked up at rock bottom prices.

Insurance group: 6

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1949: The Bullet goes into production at the British Royal Enfield company.
2002: First electric start Bullet introduced.
2004: Bullet Electra X introduced along with conventional left foot gear shift/right foot brake set-up.
2008: Electra EFI model released with fuel-injected and all-new unit construction engine.

Bullet Trials: Alloy mudguards, wide bars, a solo seat, different sub-frame, alloy bash plate, enduro-style tyres and upswept exhaust.
Bullet Electra Sportsman: Rear sets, clip-ons add up to a saucy café racer style.
Bullet Classic: Has a chrome-sided tank and matching chrome mudguards. There’s a Classic Solo, too, with a single seat and luggage rack.

Specifications

Top speed	82mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	27.5bhp
Torque	30.5ftlb
Weight	160kg
Seat height	820mm
Fuel capacity	15.75 litres
Average fuel consumption	87mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	6

Engine size	500cc
Engine specification	499cc four-stroke, single cylinder ovh. 84mm bore x 90mm stroke. Fuel injected, five-speed gearbox, chain drive, electric start.
Frame	Tubular steel. Telescopic front forks. Twin rear shocks.
Front suspension adjustment	none
Rear suspension adjustment	none
Front brakes	Single 280mm disc.
Rear brake	6inch rear drum
Front tyre size	3.25" x 19"
Rear tyre size	3.5" x 19"

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

Enfield
500 BULLET

990 miles

£2,495

Enfield
500 BULLET

miles

£1,600

Enfield
500 BULLET

35 miles

£2,295

Enfield
500 BULLET

65 miles

£3,100

Enfield
500 BULLET

7159 miles

£1,895

Owners' Overall Rating (0 reviews)

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burningbush says

A sheer joy!

My Bullet EFI may be lacking half a century of progress but thats why I bought it. The bike is utterly charming and I simply love it. It certainly attracts the old codgers..."I used to have one of them...." I totally understand that some people may turn up their nose, especially if they are race replica lovers, but everyone has their dream bike I guess and I've got mine. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to relive their youth, or in my case my dad's youth! *****

16 July 2009 20:16

User's Badge

Karlasakisays

Electra EFI

Is it just me that can see myself bend-swinging on a Bullet??? I own a sportsbike, and love it to bits, but the Enfield has such a nostalgic charm that I could really see myself owning one. Reliable, cheap, umpteen miles to the gallon and rear tyres will get to see the London Olympics. And low insurance premiums. And exclusivity... etc etc.... How many Royal Enfield Bullets do you see at your local bike meets? And if I traded in my current bike, I'd have at least £2,000 worth of spare change.... hmmmmm.... No! No! I musn't. Ahem....

26 May 2009 15:16

makegoodtime says

royal enfield electra efi

4 years ago I rode from Northamptonshire to the Algarve and back on an indian built enfield 350 T with the old engine - via the channel tunnel so 3000+ miles - these were built to chug on forever and, if you choose your roads right, they are brilliant for a long ride, so long as you don't expect to do too many overtakes!!

23 May 2009 20:27

makegoodtimesays

royal enfield electra efi

23 May 2009 20:26

petervoros says

No longer such a cheap option

This bike and it's newer brother due in 2009 would have been on my wishlist for a summer fun bike "what's the rush" and all that. But I'm afraid that they are fast pricing themselves up with the big boys. The new Bullet Classic is expected to be £4500, the same as the new Divi XJ6 and the current 650 Bandit . I know which ones most people who are not in the niche market will go for just from a practical and reliability point of view. I think Royal Enfield need to up their game a bit more and not rely entirely on rose tinted specs before moving into those price brackets especially with the current financial situation forcing some boys to cut down on their toys.

08 November 2008 18:00

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